Congregation Beth El plans Shabbat services

BANGOR — With the participation of Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox congregations, the National Jewish Outreach Program is sponsoring “Shabbat Across America” April 4, with more than 400 congregations holding traditional Sabbath services and meals open to local Jewish communities.

The outreach program is seeking to infuse the American Jewish community with a dose of spiritual awareness and interdenominational unity. Congregation Beth El on French Street will participate in this endeavor, holding a service beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a reception with Rabbi Laurence Elis Milder at 7:30 p.m. before Shabbat services.

“We desperately need to show American Jews that Shabbat — and Judaism — is more than chicken soup and gefilte fish. It is an enriching spiritual event that happens every week,” said Rabbi Milder.

For more information, call the synagogue at 183 French St., 945-4578.